According to the Associated Press, federal contactors employ one-fifth of the U.S. workforce. President Bill Clinton previously enacted protections for federal employees based on sexual orientation, but President Obama expanded these protections to include contractors and gender identity. Obama declined to include religious exemptions in the orders.

"It doesn’t make much sense, but today in America, millions of our fellow citizens wake up and go to work with the awareness that they could lose their job, not because of anything they do or fail to do, but because of who they are -- lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender," said President Obama. "And that’s wrong. We’re here to do what we can to make it right -- to bend that arc of justice just a little bit in a better direction."

GLAAD Board Member Jennifer Finney Boylan is attending the signing this morning, along with other LGBT advocates.

A new report, Understanding Issues Facing Transgender Americans, has found that transgender people are among the most vulnerable communities in America. Transgender women and trans people of color are at particular risk.

Channing Tatum will present writer, producer, director, and philanthropist Roland Emmerich with the Stephen F. Kolzak Award at the 26th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles at the Beverly Hilton on March 21, 2015, it was announced today.

About GLAAD

GLAAD rewrites the script for LGBT acceptance. As a dynamic media force, GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change. GLAAD protects all that has been accomplished and creates a world where everyone can live the life they love.more about GLAAD >>